Times of turbulence foster depression

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"It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.” Charles Dickens’ pearls of wisdom may best describe 2009. These are times of turbulence: an increasing unemployment rate, an escalating death toll of our Canadian troops, H1N1 flu virus, our economic uncertainty. Factor in the usual day-to-day stresses of life like family, relationships, finances and the workplace and we have the makings for individual emotional eclipse.

Depression has assumed celebrity status as one of the greatest conditions currently affecting Canadians. According to a recent research study by the Mood Disorders Society of Canada, in partnership with Shepell. fgi, 96 per cent of physicians list depression as one of the leading causes of disability.

Symptoms of lethargy, reduced concentration and capacity to make decisions, irritability, as well as a general lack of interest in and ability to enjoy life are among a few benchmarks of depression. 

Individuals may “cocoon,” choosing to limit or avoid interactions with friends and family and may engage in behaviours to facilitate coping such as substance use. Depression is a Catch-22; it bleeds into personal relationships, affects both personal and professional productivity, retaliating only further against the individual.

Workplace health and productivity have long been a focus of employers and mental health professionals. For example, workplace disruption impacts seven out of every 10 Canadians who have experienced depression firsthand. Reduced productivity may be interpreted as lack of commitment or motivation. Add in the current economic uncertainty, and people may feel even more insecure and vulnerable in their jobs. Individuals feel impotent, their futures uncertain. The trend? Escalation in short and long-term disability claims, as a result of this growing mental health issue that also catapults many individuals into a position of resignation or even termination.

Despite having taken up greater residence in our society, depression has generated increased recognition and acknowledgement in both medical and organizational factions. In particular, research is paving the way to more refined assessment, understanding and funding to address this mental health issue. Physicians are working more closely with patients in screening for functional and emotional disturbances. Technology enables individuals to self-educate. Companies are collaborating with employee assistance programs, such as Shepell. fgi, to support staff and foster health and productivity.

I’m a clinical manager of a counselling staff who are required to screen immediately for depression. In most cases, individual response to concurrent life stresses and challenges is often expressed as depression, and manifests as a reaction to a situation or circumstance, or may present in a more substantial clinical state.

I applaud the efforts of the Canadian military. Historically a patriarchal and stoic society that has preferred to address its constituents through more covert measures, the military has renounced tradition in a bold move to acknowledge the high incidence of depression among troops who have seen action.

Media accounts regarding criminal activity, marked by domestic violence, substance abuse and assault, have generated public awareness about how depression has impacted the lives of many of our soldiers. These acts may not be commonplace, and certainly relativity plays a role (one cannot compare with the trauma of experiencing violence germane to warfare), however, it is appreciated that our individual ability for coping is only so strong—even amongst those trained to wear emotional armour.

The negative stigma associated with depression is gradually diminishing. There is more widespread acceptance and tolerance that has followed understanding. Given the current landscape in 2009, depression is a truism. It falls within the continuum of normal life as we are coming to know it.

Contact Kelly McNaughton at .

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